12 Best Vitamin C Supplements for Immune System 2022

If you are looking for the best vitamin C supplement for immune system, you've come to the right place.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient which cannot be produced by humans (Nutrients. 2017). Because your body doesn't produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health. Vitamin C may be one of the most well-known immune nutrients that protect against immune deficiencies and which supports the prevention and recovery from the common cold and upper-respiratory issues, and also protects your cardiovascular system, eyes, skin, and other parts of your body. 

Vitamin C is a particularly unique nutrient because it also functions as an antioxidant that protects your cells against potential damage.

As of April 2022, there are more than 40 studies that have been published to investigate the benefits of vitamin C against COVID-19. Check out the evidence tracker on vitamin C and COVID-19 from c19vitaminc.com (constantly updated).

Vitamin C can be found in a variety of whole, plant-based foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli. Obtaining nutrients from whole foods is always the best approach, but if you have difficulty meeting your nutrition needs for any reason, a supplement may be necessary.

The supplements on this list were chosen based on quality, manufacturing standards, usability, and price.

Here are the best vitamin C supplements of 2022.

Best Vitamin C Supplements for Immune System

1. Emergen-C 1000mg Vitamin C Powder

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Dosage: 1000mg
Emergen Vitamin C with Antioxidants, B Vitamins and Electrolytes Price: $17.99 (Pack of 60)

> Vitamin B and C Supplement

Vitamin C drink mix is a powder that dissolves quickly in water; it’s refreshing and caffeine-free. Includes 60 single-serving packets (0.32 oz. each) of Emergen-C Original Formula in Super Orange flavor. Each serving provides daily immune support with more Vitamin C than 10 oranges. Moreover, it also contains B Vitamins, Electrolytes, and other Antioxidants like Zinc and Manganese. Flavored vitamin mix is made with natural fruit flavors for a delicious Super Orange taste

Rating:
4.9 out of 5 – 19,875 global ratings

Review:
I begin taking this in late summer and continue through April, I can count on one hand how many colds I’ve had in the past several years, I work childcare so I am exposed to a lot of germs from the toddlers and babies that I care for. This works great for me.

2. Airborne 1000mg Vitamin C with Zinc Effervescent Tablets

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Dosage: 1000mg
Airborne Vitamin C with Zinc Effervescent Tablets Price: $16.80 (Very Berry Flavor)

> Best Vitamin C and Zinc Supplement

Airborne immune support effervescent tablets are packed with 1000mg Vitamin C per serving, which helps support your immune system. Moreover, these Vitamin C with Zinc effervescent tablets contain 73% of your daily value of Zinc, which plays a central role in your immune system and is essential for the functioning and signaling of immune cells.

In addition, Airborne immune support tablets contains the powerful antioxidants Vitamin A (to support immune health), Vit C (to support immune health) and Vitamin E (to help fight free radicals). These refreshing, Very Berry flavored, dissolvable Vitamin C tablets are convenient and easy for adults and for kids 12plus to take at home or on the go.

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 – 9,700 global ratings

Review
I prefer this over a multi vitamin, I travel a lot and I’m a nurse and can honestly say I have noticed a difference on immunity boost, I prefer the berry flavor over any citrus one.

3. Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin C Chewable Tablet 1000mg

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Dosage: 1000mg (2 Tablets)
Nature Made Vitamin C for Immune Support, Antioxidant Support Price: $14.99 (90 Tablets)
#3Best Sellers in Vitamin C Supplements on Amazon

> Chewable Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and essential nutrient to support health. This chewable Vitamin C is an easy and tasty way to get the immune support you need, every day. Moreover, Vitamin C is also an essential part of collagen synthesis which helps support skin health. For Adults chew 2 tablets daily. Contains 90 tablets, a 45-day supply.

Nature Made is quality tested in the USA, our ingredients are made without artificial flavors and color added, lactose-free. Orange with other natural flavors. This chewable vitamin is also USP Verified, an independent organization that tests for quality and purity. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – 3,089 global ratings

Review
I didn’t realize these were chewable when I bought them but I am glad they are. I wouldn’t normally prefer that but these have a citrus flavor which is pretty nice. If you are looking for a high dose Vitamin C supplement these have worked well for me.

4. Ester-C Vitamin C, 500mg Tablets

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Dosage: 500mg (1 Tablet)
Ester-C Vitamin C, 60-Count Bottles Price: $16.50 (Pack of 2)
#38 Best Sellers in Vitamin C Supplements on Amazon

> Best Vitamin C Supplement for Sensitive Stomach

(Pack of 2) 60-Count Bottles, 500 mg Ester-C Vitamin C offers unique 24 Hour Immune Support. This Vitamin C is stomach-friendly, non-acidic and gentler on your stomach than regular Vitamin C.

Two Non-GMO Vegetarian tablets a day are all you need. Supports upper respiratory health

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 – 5,144 global ratings

Review
I have been using this for years and have not got sick for several years, specially in the winter when everyone it’s sick, I cannot get the flu vaccine so this do a pretty good job in protecting me in the rough months when everyone it’s sick with the cold, I do recommend this product as it does work very well specially, I work in healthcare and when everyone it’s sick with the cold I can said I’m the only one in my job that do not get sick or if I do it’s not that bad like everyone else. Love this product and will highly recommended

5. Vitamin C by Nature's Bounty 500mg, Tablets

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Dosage: 500mg/tablet
Vitamin C by Nature’s Bounty Price: $19.46 (100 Tablets)

100-count, 500mg Vitamin C Tablets for immune support.* Vitamin C is one of the leading nutritional vitamins for immune support.* People reach for Vitamin C by Nature’s Bounty to help them maintain a healthy immune system all year long.*

Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C Tablets play an important role in the functioning of white blood cells, which are vital components of the immune system.* In addition, it is also support antioxidant health.* Moreover, Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants for fighting the free radicals.* Free radicals can cause oxidative stress that may lead to premature aging of the cells.

Nature’s Bounty is committed to safety and purity in all our supplements. Our Vitamin C Tablets are non-GMO, gluten- and sugar-free, and contain no artificial colors, or sweeteners.

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 – 573 global ratings

Review
I use vitamin c so iron will more easily absorb into my system. I was able to stop my iron supplement and maintain a higher hemoglobin level after taking this!! But, this was followed closely by a physician.

6. Solgar Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

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Dosage: 1000mg/tablet
Solgar Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C (Ascorbate Complex) Price: $27.36 (180 Tablets)

> Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids Supplement

The Vitamin C metabolites in Ester-C positively impact retention of Vitamin C in cells; This complex yields beneficial antioxidant and immune system support; Includes natural bioflavonoids, acerola berry, and rose hips fruit powder

Unique Formula; Special manufacturing process creates a unique calcium ascorbate metabolite complex; Less acidic, pH-neutral Vitamin C for sensitive stomachs; Easy to digest, highly absorbable. Moreover, Solgar Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C Tablets also contribute to collagen formation for healthy skin and cartilage; Increases iron absorption.

Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, Halal and Gluten Free; Solgar Ester-C Tablets with 1000 mg of Vitamin C are free of: gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, sodium, artificial flavor, sweetener, and color

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 – 1,037 global ratings

Review
I have used Solgar Ester C for over 15 years and it has always worked well. I believe it has helped maintain my immunity and kept me from getting colds or having other issues.


7. 21st Century Vitamin C 500 mg Chewable Tablets

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Dosage: 500mg/tablet
21st Century Vitamin C 500 mg Chewable Tablets, Orange Price $9.40 (110 tablets)

Delicious natural orange flavor. 110 full-serving tablets with 500 mg vitamin C per serving. Vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals and support a healthy immune system.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Ratings
4.5 out of 5 – 2,008 global ratings

Review
I find these to be delish! Really a nice orange flavor and there is no icky after taste. 5 stars!

8. American Health Ester-C with Citrus Bioflavonoids Veg Tablets

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Dosage: 1000mg/tablet
American Health Non-Acidic Vitamin C Price: $31.95 (180 Tablets)

> Best Non Acidic Vitamin C

Ester-C delivers 24-hour immune support, so one daily serving of 1000 mg is all you need; As a potent antioxidant, it helps fight free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress that may lead to the premature aging of cells. Ester-C’s water-based manufacturing process neutralizes pH, making it non-acidic and gentle on the stomach. Moreover, it is added with citrus bioflavonoids – may help your body better absorb and utilize Vitamin C.

Their ingredients are made with no gluten, no yeast, no wheat, milk or milk derivatives, no lactose, no soy, no egg, no grapefruit, no sugar, no artificial flavors, no sodium; Non-GMO.

Ratings:
4.7 out of 5 – 2,595 global ratings

Review:

I started using Ester-C 1000 mg last year. Throughout last winter I was repeatedly exposed to the flu and pneumonia in my work office, and my immune system stayed strong. The worst I had was a sniffle for a couple days and that was it. My husband and my son also take this product and they have not been sick either. I just purchased four more bottles and I will use it throughout this whole winter again. I take up to 7,000 mg a day when people around me are sick in my office; My husband and my son do the same thing. I am 5 ft tall 150 lbs. I have used other types of vitamin c in the past but I never had the positive results I had with Esther c.

9. Emergen-C Chewable Vitamin C 1000mg

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Dosage: 1000mg
Emergen-C Chewable Vitamin C With B Vitamins And Antioxidants Tablet Price: $15.72 (40Counts)

> Best Chewable Vitamin C Supplement

Includes one 40-count bottle of Emergen-C Chewables with Vitamin C in Orange Blast flavor. Each serving (two vitamin chewable tablets) provides daily immune support with more Vitamin C than 10 oranges(1). Chewable vitamin tablets are made with natural fruit flavors for a delicious citrus taste. Includes key antioxidants like Zinc and Manganese.

Ages 14 and up, take two (2) chewable tablets daily. Do not exceed suggested use. Not formulated for use in children. As with any supplement, if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication, consult your doctor before use.Store at room temperature. Keep bottle tightly closed. Protect from moisture. Bottle sealed with printed foil under cap. Do Not Use if foil is torn or missing.

Ratings:
4.8 out of 5 – 2,202 global ratings

Review:
I don’t take vitamins or hardly any pills. However, when I started getting sick with sinus stuff, I tried these. I chewed one in the morning and one at night. It stopped the sickness in its tracks! Whereas usually it goes into a sinus infection for me, I was better in 2-3 days. I now tell everyone about these.

10. Nutricost Ascorbic Acid Powder (Vitamin C)

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Dosage: 1 Gram Per Serving (Scoop Included)
Nutricost Ascorbic Acid Powder 2 LBS Price: $24.95

> Non GMO Vitamin Supplement

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is an essential vitamin. Vitamin C is an important factor in many of the body’s various life-giving and life-maintaining functions including the successful operation of the immune system. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot naturally produce Vitamin C. This means that although it is an essential vitamin, it must be replenished every day in order for good health to be maintained.

Pure, High-Quality Powder. No Binders Or Fillers. Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, 3rd Party Tested. Made in a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility

Rating:
4.7 out of 5 – 3,031 global ratings

Review:
I bought this product because I was searching for a Vit C powder without GMO. My Dermatologist suggested I make a Vit. C serum for damage skin on my face & chest. I’ve had very good results. I returned to my Dr. after using it only 2 1/2 months & she saw remarkable changes/healing. She wanted me to up it a little for my nose but the rest of my face & my chest had dramatic healthy skin changes. I did not expect to find these changes at my age. I highly recommend this if you want to make a Vit. C serum for rejuvenating your skin & heal or prevent aging skin issues.

11. Liquid Drops Vitamin C for Kids Immune Support



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Dosage: 2ml or 1/2 full droppers equal to 50mg
JoySpring Kids Vitamin C, Zinc, and Elderberry Liquid Price: $24.99 -2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Amazon’s Choice for “liquid vitamin c for kids“

> Best Vitamin C for Kids

Unlike other kids vitamin c, this combines the strength of not 1, but 3 immune boosting ingredients. Fortified with Zinc, Elderberry & Vitamin C for kids, these liquid drops help protect immune system. It helps fight harmful ailments & a speedy recovery.

This vitamin c for kids can mixed with food or drink. While all of JoySpring’s products are family friendly, it is recommended you speak with your physician when introducing any new supplements to children under the age of 18.

Rating
4.6 out of 5 – 691 global ratings

Review
I like thst it comes in a dropper and I don’t have to fight my toddler to take them


12. Airborne KIDS Vitamin C 500mg Chewable Tablet

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Dosage: 500mg/2tablets
Airborne KIDS Vitamin C Very Berry Chewable Tablets Price: $13.45

> Chewable Vitamin C for Kids

This is a unique Vitamin, Mineral and Herbal blend that helps support your immune system. This GLUTEN FREE supplement is high in antioxidants (Vitamins A C E) and contains Zinc, Selenium and Manganese.

Airborne is the no.1 Immune Support Gummy, Effervescent and Chewable Brand. These tablets are easy and convenient for your family to take at home or on the go. Vitamin C is among the most important antioxidants in immune health.

Each tablet contains a specially crafted blend of vitamins and minerals to help support your immune system. One serving of (2) chewable tablets provides 500mg of VITAMIN C.

Rating
4.7 out of 5 – 2,770 global ratings

Review
My son it’s 7 yrs old and he loves this vitamin C it does have a little sour taste so if your kids like sour than they would enjoy them!

FAQs

1. How Do I Choose Vitamin C?

Selecting the right vitamin C supplement depends on a variety of factors, including the form, quality, dose, and price. There are many forms of vitamin C available (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, liposomal vitamin C etc.) but there is not much evidence that one form is much better than another. 

The ascorbate forms may be easier on your stomach, but you will still run a risk of developing loose stools at too high a dose. 

You can also start by considering how you’ll be using the supplement. For instance, if you prefer to take a pill, you’ll want to check out encapsulated vitamin C supplements.

If you don’t like swallowing pills or want to mix it into beverages, your best bet is to consider liquid or powdered supplements.

Next, you want to check the supplement’s quality. Evaluate whether a brand is reputable by exploring their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing standards. A good product will also be tested by third-party organizations, such as USP, Consumer Labs, or NSF International.

Take a look at added ingredients, too. If you’re trying to limit your intake of added sugars, you want to opt for a supplement that doesn’t contain sugar.

Another factor to consider is the dosage. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults is 90 mg for men, 75 mg for women, and up to 120 mg for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, certain medical conditions may require that you take much higher doses (NIH).

Children have lower vitamin C requirements, which range from 25–75mg per day, depending on their age. However, it’s not generally advised to give children a vitamin C supplement unless their pediatrician has recommended it.

Note that the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C for men, as well as women ages 19 and above, is 2,000 mg. Meanwhile, the UL for children ranges from 400–1,800 mg, depending on age. Daily intakes at or below these amounts are unlikely to result in any adverse health effects (NIH).

Vitamin C supplements come in a wide range of dosage options. If you’re looking for a high dose, it may be more economical and convenient to find a concentrated supplement. This way you won’t be stuck consuming multiple servings of a lower dose option.

Generally, high doses of vitamin C are unnecessary and could contribute to harmful side effects. Only consume high doses if your healthcare provider recommends doing so.

Finally, you want to consider your budget. Some professional-grade brands can be expensive, but keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better product. There are plenty of high quality options available at various price points.

2. Benefits of Vitamin C

Skin health
Remembering that Vitamin C has an important role in collagen formation, Vitamin C may help to heal damaged skin, as well as keeping it nourished and healthy. Moreover Vitamin C is important for antioxidant protection which help to give skin protection against oxidative damage produced by free radicals, UV, and pollution.

Anti-inflammatory effect
In hypertensive and/or diabetic obese patients, vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) has the ability to reduce inflammatory status by lowering hs-CRP, IL-6, and FBG. [Trusted Source]

Boost Immunity
One of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity, as vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system.
First, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection (PubMed).
Second, vitamin C helps these white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals.

Other benefits of Vitamin C
A review of 28 studies (Diabetes Care. 2021 Feb) in 1,574 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, demonstrated that vitamin C supplementation may improve blood sugar control and blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes.

People who have pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten the recovery time (PubMed, PubMed).

A large review of 29 studies in 11,306 people demonstrated that regularly supplementing with vitamin C at an average dose of 1–2 grams per day reduced the duration of colds by 8% in adults and 14% in children (PubMed).

Interestingly, the review also demonstrated that regularly taking vitamin C supplements reduced common cold occurrence in individuals under high physical stress, including marathon runners and soldiers, by up to 50% (PubMed, PubMed).

Additionally, high dose intravenous vitamin C treatment has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in people with severe infections, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting from viral infections (PubMed, PubMed).

3. Is Natural Vitamin C Better Than Synthetic?

In contrast, all steady state comparative bioavailability studies in humans have shown no differences between synthetic and natural vitamin C, regardless of the subject population, study design or intervention used.

4. Can Vitamin C prevent Coronavirus?

A review, published December 7, 2020, in the journal Nutrients, recommended the use of vitamin C as an additional therapy for respiratory infections, sepsis and COVID-19.

In December 16, 2020, Rob Verkerk, Ph.D., founder and scientific director of the Alliance for Natural Health, announced the launch of an international vitamin C campaign in response to the Nutrients review, which "puts all the arguments and science in one, neat place."

However, large controlled studies demonstrating vitamin C's effectiveness in COVID-19 are still lacking. There are many such studies underway and you can review the status of these trials on clinicaltrials.gov. As of January 2021, more than 50 studies have been launched to investigate the benefits of vitamin C against COVID-19.

The National Institutes (NIH) Panel has determined that there are insufficient data to recommend either for or against the use of Vitamin C for the treatment of non-critically ill COVID-19 (last updated November 2020).

At the Cleveland Clinic, researchers are enrolling people into a study to see if vitamin C or zinc — or a combination of the two — can reduce the duration of COVID-19 symptoms. Patients will be given the supplements after they have tested positive for COVID-19.

Currently, no definitive evidence supports the use of oral vitamin C supplements to prevent COVID-19.

Vitamin C may help shorten the duration and severity of colds caused by other viruses, but this is no guarantee that it will have the same effect on the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Additionally, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It dissolves in water, meaning that excess amounts aren’t stored in your body but instead eliminated through your urine. Taking more vitamin C does not mean that your body is absorbing more (nih).

High dose vitamin C supplements may even cause diarrhea, as they can signal your body to pull water out of the cells and into your digestive tract (NIH).

Moreover, although high dose vitamin C appears promising for COVID-19 treatment, these doses were exceptionally high and given via IV — not taken orally. Additionally, it was only given in cases severe enough to require hospitalization.

Your best bet is to eat a diet that’s full of a variety of fruits and vegetables, which naturally provide all the vitamin C a healthy person needs — along with many other nutrients and antioxidants.

5. Possible side effects

Although vitamin C is a natural compound, getting too much of it can cause uncomfortable and potentially serious side effects.

Some of the most common reported side effects include headaches, flushed skin, nausea, and vomiting (NIH). Consuming high doses of vitamin C for prolonged periods may also increase your risk of kidney stones (NIH).

Always consult your healthcare provider prior to adding any nutritional supplement to your routine.

Conclusion

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a diverse role in keeping your body healthy. Although vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries, it can cause serious health problems that, if left untreated, could be fatal.If you have trouble getting enough vitamin C from your diet, supplements are a great option. They come in a variety of physical forms, dosages, and price points.

That said, many vitamin C supplements in the market are above the US RDA. It’s important to seek a doctor’s advice if you intend to take high dose vitamin C on a long term basis. To be on the safe side, you may also request for your kidney functions to be monitored.

Always consult your doctor prior to adding any new supplements to your health and wellness regimen. 

This article was adapted from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vitamin-c-supplement

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